Keg tapping structure



J y 1969 I D. M. MALICK 3,454,199

KEG TAPPING STRUCTURE v I Filed Jan. 23, 1968 Sheet of 2 4 52 Z2 ZINVENTORY DELL M. MAL/CK BY 4 Z Eon/A20 .0. OER/AM ATTORNEY July 9, 1969D M. MALICK 3,454,199

KEG TAPPING STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 25, 1-968 Sheet INVENTOR.

K, m M M M u E D United States Patent US. Cl. 222-400.7 9 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A complete tapping structure is disclosed.This tapping structure consists of a keg unit or keg valve and a tappingunit which is adapted to be coupled to the keg unit so that the contentsof the keg may be exhausted. The keg unit is adapted to be held upon aconventional keg neck structure by cam means so as to be secured againstundesired rotation by ratchet means. The tavern unit is adapted to becoupled to the keg unit by being located upon it and twisted. The tavernunit may be removed from the keg unit by being twisted without causingthe keg unit to be uncoupled from the keg neck.

Cross-references to related applications This application disclosessubject matter which is also disclosed in the copending applicationentitled, Gas Valve, filed Dec. 21, 1967, Ser. No. 692,520.

Background of the invention Various types of liquids such as differentbeverages are commonly packaged and sold in pressurized containers suchas common kegs or the like. For the purpose of dispensing the fluidpackaged and sold in any such container it is conventional to provide onthe container a keg unit which is adapted to be engaged by and coupledto a tapping unit. When such a keg unit and tapping unit are coupled ina desired manner the fluid within a container carrying such a key unitis capable of being removed from the container.

As technology has advanced, many different types of complete tappingstructures including a keg unit and a tapping unit have been developedand, to varying extents, used. As this field has progressed there hasbeen a pronounced tendency to form such key units so that they includeat least one valve which is automatically opened when the tapping unitused with such a keg unit is coupled to this keg unit. The use of such avalve is considered quite advantageous in facilitating the tapping of akeg so as to avoid various complications such as possible undesiredescape of the fluid within the keg. A keg unit containing such a valveis referred to herein as a keg valve.

As various types of keg valves have been developed problems have arisenas to how to satisfactorily connect such keg valves to various types ofkegs. It is considered that these problems have been most significant inconnection with the coupling of a keg valve to a presently common typeof keg structure which is provided with a discharge neck located withina comparatively narrow recess providing only limited access to theexterior of the neck. With this type of structure the neck iscylindrical and has end flanges extending outwardly from the exposedends of the neck and stops which extend from extremities of theseflanges outwardly from the neck proper longitudinally along the neck.

In providing a structure for a keg valve to be used with this type ofkeg construction it is necessary to provide means whereby the keg valvecan be secured internally within the neck to the end of the neck and theflanges and stops indicated in such a manner that there is substantiallyno danger of fluid leakage, in such a manner "ice that the keg valvecannot inadvertently be twisted or turned in such a way as might causeleakage or dislodging of the valve and in such a manner that the kegvalve can be easily attached or detached with a minimum of difficulty.With a structure of this type principal portions of the valve unitshould be located internally of the neck on a keg so as to preventaccidental damage when a keg is handled. For the same reasons the kegvalve unit should extend from the end of the neck only a comparativelylimited degree.

These and various other related considerations are considered to havemade it very difficult for those who have worked in this field prior tothe present invention to develop keg tapping structures which can beconsidered satisfactory to various industries such as the beer industry.The problems of providing keg tapping structures which are acceptable inthese fields are made all the more diflicult because of various otherrelated problems. A satisfactory keg tapping structure must be capableof passing a significant volume of fluid Within a limited period. Such aunit must also be capable of being cleaned, and in this connection haveno traps or other areas where bacteria are apt to accumulate, and becorrosion resistant. Such a unit must also be sufliciently strong from amechanical standpoint so as to be capable of withstanding a significantamount of physical abuse without such abuse interfering with itsoperation.

Brief summary of the invention An objective of the present invention isto provide new and improved keg tapping structures which areadvantageous in that they possess the various desirable features brieflyindicated in the preceding discussion. Another objective of thisinvention is to provide keg tapping structures which can be manufacturedout of such materials as stainless steel so as to be capable ofwithstanding a great deal of physical abuse so as to be capable of beingeasily and completely cleaned as required. It will of course berecognized that stainless steel is, under normal circumstances,resistant to corrosion.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide keg units orvalves which may be easily and conveniently coupled to an existing typeof conventional neck, which when so coupled can not beinadvertentlymoved with respect to such necks, but which can be easilyand conveniently taken off of such necks when necessary for cleaning orother reasons. A still further objective of this invention is to providetapping structures which are resistant to damage, which are capable ofreliable performance and which may be easily and conveniently used.

In accordance with this invention these and other objectives of theinvention are achieved by providing a keg tapping structure which ispreferably formed of a metal such as stainless steel in which the kegunit is adapted to be used with a keg having a cylindrical neck providedwith radially extended end flanges. A keg unit of this invention has atop adapted to be located over the end of such a keg unit and adependent skirt extending from the top and surrounding the flanges onthe keg neck. With this structure cam means are used to secure the kegunit to the keg neck and holding means including ratchet means are usedso as to lock or secure the keg unit against undesired rotation withrespect to the keg neck.

Brie) description of the drawing The actual details of this inventionwill be more fully apparent from a detailed consideration of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a presently preferred embodiment ofa complete keg tapping structure of this invention in use upon the neckof a conventional keg;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken-at line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken at line 5-5 of FIG. 1; I

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a part of the keg valve shown in thepreceding figure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the keg valve and the tappingunit illustrated in the preceding figures forming a complete tappingstructure of this invention; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the principal portion of thetapping unit and keg neck illustrated in preceding figures of thedrawings.

Description of the preferred embodiment In the drawings there is shown acomplete keg valve structure or tapping structure 10 of this invention.This structure consists of two essential parts, a keg valve or unit 12and a tapping unit 14. The keg unit 12 is intended to be coupled to acylindrical neck 16 formed on a conventional keg 18. In FIG. 1 of thedrawing it is shown that this neck is located in a recess 20 whichprovides only limited space around the exterior of the neck 16. Thisneck 16 is provided with radially extending flanges 22 at its upper end.It is also provided with longitudinally extending stops 24, each ofwhich extends partially along the neck 16 from an end of a flange 22.The structure of this neck 16 is conventional.

The keg unit 12 and the tapping unit 14 are except for gaskets or otherappropraite sealing members preferably entirely formed of a strongcorrosion proof material such as stainless steel. This keg unit 12includes a central cylindrical body 26 which is adapted to fit closelywithin the interior of the neck 16. The end of the body 20 extendsslightly from the outer end of the neck 16 and carries a disc-like top28 which completely overlies the end of the neck 16 and the flanges 22.This top 28 carries at its periphery an attaching skirt 30 which extendsfrom the top 28 generally back along the body 20. The skirt 30 is formedwith a plurality of cam surfaces 32 which are inwardly directed from ittowards the body 26. Preferably each of these cam surfaces 32corresponds to one of the flanges 22.

The cam surfaces 32 are designed so that in attaching the keg unit 12,the body26 may be slipped into the neck 16 until the top 28 is oppositeand adjacent to the flanges 22. At this point the cam surfaces 32 willfit in the spaces between the flanges 22 and will be generallyunderneath these flanges. Then, upon twisting of the keg unit 12, as,for example, through the use of an appropriate Wrench, the cam surfaces32 can be engaged with the undersides of the flanges 22.

So as to form a seal between the neck 16 and the keg unit 12, this kegunit includes a cylindrical elastomeric washer 34 which is locatedaround the body 26 next to the top 28. When the cam surfaces 32 areattached as described, this washer is normally brought under compressionby the engaging of these cam surfaces 32 so as to form the requisiteseal between the top 28 and the end of the neck 16. This structure ofthe keg unit 12 described in this manner is normally adequate to holdthe keg unit with respect to the keg 18, particularly because of thefact that friction with respect to the surfaces 32 tends to preventundesired rotation of the cam surfaces 32 with respect to the undersidesof the flanges 22.

However, with the structure described to this point it is possible forthe keg unit 12 to be rotated so as to be detached from the neck 16.Obviously such detachment is normally not detsired except when thecomplete tapping structure 10 is to be deliberately removed. In order toprevent such undesired dislodging of the keg unit 12 this unit carrieswhat may be referred to as a holding means 36 as shown in FIG. 6 of thedrawing. This hold- 'ing means 36' in the preferred embodimentillustrated includes a central ring 38 of a size adapted to fit withinthe skirt 30 against the under surface of the top 28. This ring 38carries flanges 40 which depend from it and which are adapted to fitaround the neck 16 in the spaces between the flanges 22. This ring 38also carries elongated resilient fingers 42. At least one of thesefingers 42 is designed so as to be opposite to an opening 44 in the top28 when the keg unit 12 is installed.

This structure of the holding means 36 is designed so that it may belocated around the body 26 against the top 28 in contact with the washer34. When in this position the flanges 40 extend parallel to the skirt 30within the interior of the skirt. When the holding means 36 is solocated, and the keg unit 12 is located upon the neck 16 and turned aspreviously described so as to tighten the cam surfaces 32 upon theflanges 22, the holding means 36 is prevented from rotating along withthe rest of the keg unit 12 because of the flanges 40 engaging theflanges 22.

As the keg unit 12 is rotated with the holding means 36 being held inthis manner, the keg unit 12 will gradually be turned to a location inwhich at least one finger 42 by virtue of its resiliency pops up into anopening 44. Such engagement of the finger 42 through the opening 44 willprevent further rotation of the keg unit 12 since the holding means 36is prevented from rotating. The entire keg unit 12 is preferablyconstructed to that at this point the washer 34 is sufiicientlycompressed to form a seal.

Because of the action of the holding means 36 with respect to at leastone opening 44 in the top 28 the keg unit 12 cannot be backed off of theflanges 22 inadvertently. However, the keg unit 12 may be removed byapplying an appropriate tool such as a pointed instrument against theend of any finger 42 engaged within an opening 44 and holding such afinger down while the keg unit 12 is turned so as to release the camsurfaces 32 from the flanges 22. Because of this type of action a finger42 and an opening 44 as described may be considered a ratchet means. Ifdesired a small bent tab 46 may be provided on the top 28 in connectionwith any such opening 44 in order to achieve an eflicient ratchetlikeaction. The opening 44 may be relocated upon any accessible part of thekeg unit 12 and any finger 42 may be appropriately relocated.

The end of the body 26 within the interior of the keg 18 is providedwith a completely fiat bottom wall 48 of a washer-like shape. From thecenter of this wall 48 the body 26 is provided with an integrally formedtube 50. Another tube 52 is secured on the end of the tube 50 so as toextend from it to the bottom of the keg 18 by means of a small band orferrule 54 which clamps the tube 52 firmly in position.

A coil spring 56 is located against the end of the tube 52 and the band54 so as to extend around the tube 50 into contact with a metal washer58. The center of this Washer 58 carries a tubular flange 60 capable offitting upon and sliding upon the tube 50. Normally the spring 56 isheld under compression at all times. Because of such compression thespring 56 will normally bias a completely flat elastomeric washer 62into contact With the Wall 48 so that this Washer 62 contacts this wall48 completely around each of a series of openings 64 located within it.

This structure involving the Wall 48, the opening 64, the Washer 58, theWasher 62, and the spring 56 is as described in more detail in thecopending application entitled, Gas Valve, filed Dec. 21, 1967, Ser. No.692,520. The entire disclosure of this copending action is incorporatedherein by reference in the interest of brevity so as to alleviate thenecessity of describing it in greater detail herein.

Within the interior of the body 26 there is located what is referred tohere as a valve housing 66. This housing 66 is held in place by a lowercylindrical tube 68 which is in press fit engagement with the interiorof the tube 50 so that it cannot be moved and that no fluid can movebetween these two tubes. The housing 66 is also held in place by meansof small arms 70 extending from its upper cylindrical end 72 into asmall groove 74 in the body 26 where these arms are secured by physicalengagement. Immediately beneath the cylindrical end 72 the housing 66 isprovided with an internal necked-down band portion 76 which extendscompletely around the body 66. Sloping walls 78 lead to both sides ofthe necked-down portion 76. A generally somewhat cylindrical section 80connects the tube 68 with the one of the walls 78 immediately adjacentto the necked-down band 76.

Within the section 80 and the tube 68 there is located a valve member82. This member 82 has a cross or X- shaped stem 84 which :projects fromthe section 80 into the tube 68 and which fits closely Within the tube68 so as to be guided by contact with it in such a manner as to only becapable of being moved in a linear direction or path. This stem 84carries a head 86 having a peripheral groove 88 and a fiat top surface90. Located within this groove 88 so as to be held thereby is anotherelastomeric sealing washer 92 which extends outwardly from the head 86to fit against and form a seal with the lower of the sloping walls 78when the tapping unit 14 is in a closed position. Normally the valvemember 82 is biased so that such a seal is formed by means of a coilspring 94 held under compression between the head 86 and the portion ofthe housing 66 generally between the tube 68 and the section 80.

The tapping-unit 14 includes a top 96 adapted to overlay the top 28 anda dependent skirt 98 which carriesa plurality of inwardly extending camsurfaces 100 which are adapted to engage similar projecting cam surfaces102 located on the skirt 30 as shown in FIG. 8. The lower surfaces ofthe cam surfaces 102 may be coined or similarly roughened so as toprevent slippage of the cam surfaces 102 with respect to one anotherwhen the tapping unit 14 is located in place upon the keg unit 12 asshown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

The top 96 is provided with a centrally located opening 104 which inturn is surrounded by a partial groove 106. This opening 104 is incommunication with and in effect forms an extension of a top cylinder108. A small elastomeric sealing ring 110 adapted to form a seal withthe upper surface of the top 28 is held in this groove 106 by means ofretainer 112 of a band-like shape fitting Within the cylinder 108. Thisring 110 extends from the top 96 a sufficient extent so as to becompressed against the top 28 so as to form a seal therewith when thecams 100 and 102 are in use.

A gas inlet pipe 114 is secured to and carried by the cylinder 108 so asto lead into its interior. This cylinder 108 also has a top washer-likewall 116 which carries an upwardly extending tube 118. If desired thistube may be surrounded by a closely fitting threaded ferrule 120 for usein connecting a line to convey fluid.

A cylindrical base 122 of a generally cylindrical probe 124 is in pressfit, sealed engagement with the interior of the tube 118 so as to extendtherefrom through the center of the cylinder 108 and through the skirt98. This probe 124 may include a flange 126 fitting against the Wall 116so as to facilitate it being held in position to insure the properpositioning of the entire probe 124. This probe 124 includes, adjacentto its end, remote from the wall 116, a groove 128 which holds anotherelastomeric sealing ring 130 so that this sealing ring projectsgenerally outward from the probe 124. This same end of the probe 124includes what may be referred to as a pagoda consisting of a continuouswall 13-2 carrying arms 134 which are connected by means of a terminalwall 136 of a flat configuration extending perpendicular to the axis ofthe probe 124.

The entire tapping structure is designated so that the keg unit or valve12 may be attached to the neck 16 of the keg 18 in the manner previouslydescribed. When so attached the valve 82 is normally held by the spring94 so that the sealing member or washer 92 forms a seal with one of thesloping walls 78. When it is desired to tap the keg 18 the tapping unit14 may be located generally above the keg unit 12 and may be moveddownwardly until the probe 124 fits within the cylindrical end 72. Atthis point the sealing ring 130 will engage the interior of thecylindrical end 72 so as to be compressed and form a seal.

As the tapping unit 14 is moved further towards the keg unit 12 the wall136 will contact the head 86 of the valve member 82 compressing thespring 94 and moving the head to a position as shown in FIG. 1 in whichit is spaced from the interior of the housing '66. Substantiallysimultaneously the ring 110 will be compressed so as to form a sealagainst the top 28. As such a seal is formed the tapping unit 14 may beturned so that the cams and 102 move with respect to one another tocause further compression the ring so as to more firmly hold the tappingunit 14 in place on the keg unit 12. By virtue of the fact that the wall136 and the surface 90 are flat such rotation can take place.

At this time the entire tapping structure 10 is ready for use. Duringsuch use carbon dioxide gas is normally introduced into the tube 118from an appropriate connecting structure (not shown) and passes into thein terior of the cylinder 108, then past the arms 70 into the interiorof the body 26 around the outside of the housing 66. When sufficient gaspressure is applied in this manner it will move through the opening 64in the Wall 48 against the washer 58, causing the spring 56 to becompressed. As the washer 62 is moved in this manner this gas will ofcourse go into the interior of the keg 18. Simultaneously normally anyfluid from within the interior of the keg will move through the tube 52into the tube 50 and around the stem 84 up past the head 86 between thearms 70 into the interior of the probe 124. From there it will pass outthrough the tube 118 to an appropriate connecting tube.

I claim:

1. A structure for use in connecting a tapping unit with a keg, said keghaving a cylindrical neck, said neck having end flanges, said flangesextending radially outward from the end of said neck remote from saidkeg, wherein the improvement comprises:

a keg unit having a body fitting within said neck,

a top extending radially outward from an end of said body, said topbeing adapted to overlay said flanges, an attaching skirt carried bysaid top and extending from said top generally parallel to said body,

said attaching skirt having a cam surface located thereon correspondingto each of said flanges,

sealing means located around said body and against said top,

said sealing means being adapted to be held under compression betweensaid top and the end of said neck when said cam surfaces are located onthe sides of said flanges remote from said top and are engaged with saidflanges,

a holding means located within said skirt in contact with said top,

said holding means including means engaging the end of said neck remotefrom said keg so as to be held against rotation,

ratchet means for preventing rotation of said keg unit when said camsurfaces are engaged with said flanges,

a first part of said ratchet means being located on said holding meansand a second part of said ratchet means adapted to coact on the saidfirst part being located on said keg unit.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said first part of said ratchet means located on said holding meanscomprises at least one resilient finger extending from said holdingmeans,

-- said second part of said ratchet means located on said keg unitcomprises an opening within said keg. unit,

said finger fitting within said opening when said keg unit is connectedto said keg so as to prevent rotation of said keg unit With respect tosaid neck of said keg.

3. A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said means on said holding means comprises flange means which fit aroundthe exterior of said neck and engage said flanges so as to preventrotation of said holding means.

4. A structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

means for attaching a tapping unit located on said attaching skirt.

5. A structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein:

said means for attaching a tapping unit comprise cam means formed onsaid skirt so as to extend outwardly therefrom. I i

6. A structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

tapping unit means coupled to'said keg valve unit.

7. A structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

liquid valve means and gas 'valve means located on said body of said kegunit,

said gas valve means being capable of being opened in response to gaspressure applied thereto,

*said liquid valve means being capable of being opened by pressure beingapplied to a surface of said liquid valve means.

" 8. A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said finger fitting within said opening when said keg unitis connectedto said'keg so as to prevent rota tion of said keg unit with respect tothe neck of-said said means on said holding means comprises flange meanswhich fit around the exterior said neck'and engage said flanges on saidneck so as to prevent liquid valve means located on said body of saidkeg unit,

said liquid valve means being capable of being opened by pressure beingapplied to a surface thereof,

probe means on said tapping unit contacting said liquid valve means soas to apply pressure to open said liquid valve means when said tappingunit is, coupled to said keg unit.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,361,152 2/1968 Akers 222400.7X

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner. H. S. LANE, Assistant Examiner.

us. 01. X.R.

3/1912 Frisholm 222400.7X

